Hollywood Epic Film Dunkirk

Colin and Finlay

The epic feature film Dunkirk, directed by Christopher Nolan, will be released in cinemas throughout the UK on July 21st, 2017. The film stars such notables as Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Fionn Whitehead and One Direction's Harry Styles. But the real stars are Endeavour and the other ADLS vessels that took part. All participants in the filming are bound by the usual confidentiality agreements, however, without revealing any confidentialities, Paul Gilson has provided the following:

Under the directorship of one of the Hollywood greats, Christopher Nolan, we embarked on a new adventure as extras in his latest production Dunkirk. We had been measured for costumes in Ramsgate but had no idea how impressive the costumes would be.

Paul Gilson

On arrival in Dunkirk we were told that we had to be in wardrobe at 6am the following morning. This was made worse as our hotel was some distance away.

The crew were close to mutiny again at the thought of having to rise at 5am, a time they apparently were unaware existed.

The first day of filming was a great experience. The boats were made to look their age, as were the crew in their costumes and make-up! We were forever checked to make sure that we looked the part and I was chastised for buttoning up my coat.

After the days filming we were photographed to make sure that we looked the same for the following day’s camera action.

The whole experience was outstanding, from the wonderful food provided whilst we were at sea to the ship’s husband making sure that all was well when we were alongside”.

The little ships may have had supporting roles in the film but they will always be Oscar winners in our nation’s history.